7 Best Shopping Destinations Worldwide
You love shopping. And you understand that a shopping holiday is not just about finding good deals – though that’s important too. No, shopping is an art form of its own, where an eye for distinctive style separates the serious connoisseurs from the window shoppers.
If you’re serious about shopping, this list is for you. We’ve picked the best shopping destinations in the world – now it’s up to you to explore them and get some use out of your credit card.
1. New York City, USA
New York City is hands-down the best all-round shopping destination in the world. You can find every major fashion and retail outlet in NYC, along with thousands of boutique, vintage and hard-to-find shops that simply do not exist anywhere else. There are malls like Time Warner Centre, boutiques in SoHo, high-end brands on Fifth Avenue, pop-up shops in Bryant Park and Union Square, and flea markets in Brooklyn. You just need to get over there and start shopping!
2. Paris, France
Paris is the world’s fashion capital, for a good reason. With a focus on designer labels, the city is home to high-end fashion labels such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. Paris’ Golden Triangle, which encompasses the Champs-Elysees in the 8th Arrondissement, offers the best of Paris shopping and is where the beautiful Christmas Market runs in January. If you’re looking to save a Euro or two, head to Paris in January or August for the biennial sales and you’re sure to nab a bargain.
3. Milan, Italy
Italians are serious about style and their shopping capital, Milan, is one of the most fashionable cities in the world. Home to luxury fashion houses like Prada, Valentino, Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabana and much more, the main shopping area is known as the Fashion Quadrangle. But Milan isn’t only about the price travelTags. The city also boasts wonderful Christmas markets, bazaars and excellent sales during January-February and July-September.
4. London, United Kingdom
Let’s be honest. London is one of the best cities in the world and, accordingly, has some of the best shopping. From Oxford Street, with famous department stores such as John Lewis and bargain fashion like Topshop; to elegant Regent Street’s mid-priced fashion outlets; to Bond Street and Mayfair, with big names like Burberry and Tiffany & Co.; to Carnaby Street’s independent brands; to Camden’s set of alternative fashion shops; and Notting Hill’s vintage and antique offerings, London is a shopper’s paradise.
5. Hong Kong, China
Bargain hunters and high-end fashion lovers, Hong Kong is your city. Millions of people around Asia and the world flock to this tiny island every year to pick up a great deal or find something unique. Fantastic markets such as Jade Market, Temple Street Night Market and the Ladies Market are renowned, Kowloon’s Nathan Road is a major retail strip with everything from massive department stores to local goods, and Times Square is a must-see. Many people also travel to Hong Kong to have clothes specially made, and there are many quality tailors throughout the city.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the other top shopping city in Asia. Over the years, Bangkok has become home to innumerable shopping complexes and rambling markets, and the vibrant south-east Asian city has everything you might want. The largest and most well-known department store, MBK, boasts more than 2,000 stores with a huge variety of products and price points. Chinatown is also a must, with super cheap goods and a much more traditional feel. The sixth-largest mall in the world, aptly named Central World, is a must for international-branded clothes and sportswear and Chatuchuck Market is one of the biggest markets in the world, with more than 15,000 booths divided into 27 sections. And, like Hong Kong, there are many quality tailors available for the savvy shopper who knows what they want.
7. Los Angeles, USA
And lastly, there’s Los Angeles. Head to The Grove for a shopping treat, as you explore the city’s outdoor shopping complex. Designed to look like a small town, it’s a friendly place to find some amazing fashion and specialty stores. Rodeo Drive, of course, is one of the most famous streets in the world and, while you’re not celebrity spotting, you might also fancy a spot of high-end fashion shopping. Armani, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and others grace this elegant street. If you’re looking for a more relaxed market atmosphere, the Farmers’ Market is an incredible place to give your taste buds a treat, or if you need to sate your celebrity curiosity a little further, try the fashion strip on Melrose Avenue.